National Mentoring Month
Ask anyone at Sundial and they will tell you the day usually starts with a smile! Whilst any of the Sundial smiles can brighten up anyone’s day, however gloomy, one smile at Sundial has been nationally acclaimed.
Pamela Timson, 94 years young, was a ‘Nominate a Smile’ winner in 2019 as part of the wider National Smile Month. This is not the first time her beautiful smile and photogenic charm has been recognised as she was also the poster girl for Age UK, having been snapped at the club where she looked out for other members.
“Mum used to go to the club on a Wednesday, and whilst she was there the photographer said he’d like to take a picture, so he told Mum a joke and there she was on the first poster! It’s really funny for the family as until Mum was in her 70s, she hated having her photo taken!” Her daughter Paula explained.
Pamela’s Story
Pamela, born in London Paddington in 1927 began working life as an Accounts Clerk for London Transport before working at Vispring making wings for planes during WWII. Sadly, having been happily married to her husband Alfie for many years, he passed away in 1985. Grieving the loss of her beloved she moved to Australia to be nearer to her son. Having never learned to drive, at the age of 60 she passed her driving test!
Having moved back to the UK in 1988 she settled in Devon. Pamela survived a stroke in 2014, which sadly left her needing support to walk. She moved to Sundial Care Home in January this year, a stones throw away from her old Exeter home.
Smiling Nationally
She was nominated for the National Smile Month award in 2019 by her granddaughter Karen, as a family inspiration who lights up a room and is always helping others.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation who organise National Smile Month said:
“During this year’s Nominate A Smile competition we’ve heard so many stories of fantastic people up and down the country. People who, despite challenges and obstacles, repeatedly put smiles on the faces of those around them.
“I think Pam is a great one to end on. She is so full of life and has been putting smiles on people’s faces for so long. Clearly her family thinks she is fantastic, and we do too!”
Pamela is still igniting joy in all the people who are fortunate enough to spend time with her at Sundial. Any room with a Pam in, is a brighter room for it!
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